Best Clinics for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Spain

Why is it Worth Getting Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Spain?

• The success rate for patients with NPC in Spain is 87% higher than the global average, thanks to the country's digital setup, skilled doctors, and comprehensive approach to cancer care.
• The best Clinics for Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Spain are:
  • Hospital Quironsalud Barcelona- This hospital is a leading center for cancer treatment and research. It has a JCI and ISO-certified head and neck cancer unit that offers advanced cancer care utilizing radiation techniques.
  • Quironsalud Hospital Madrid- This is one of the leading cancer treatment centers having JCI and Applus certification. It offers multiple treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures and radiation methods.
• The best Doctors for Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Spain are:
  • Dr. Andrés Varela de Ugarte is a thoracic oncological surgeon specializing in tracheal surgery, lung surgery and lung transplantation. He has more than 30 years of experience.
  • Prof. Dr. Raimon Miralbell is a radiation oncology specialist at Quironsalud Teknon Hospital. He specializes in advanced-stage cancer care and has over 36 years of experience.

How is Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosed in Spain?

Spanish doctors focus on medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests for accurate diagnosis. The most common diagnostic methods are discussed below:

• Physical examination- The doctor will examine the head and neck, including the nasopharynx, using a flexible scope to look for any lumps, bumps or other abnormalities.
• Imaging tests: These are used to determine the location, size and extent of cancer and may include:
• MRI scan: It uses a strong magnetic field for detailed images and is the most common imaging test for NPC diagnosis.
• CT scan: During this, the doctors use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images
• Biopsy: It involves taking a small tissue sample from the nasopharynx for laboratory analysis. This is usually done using a small needle inserted through the skin or a flexible scope passed through the nose.

How is Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Treated in Spanish Hospitals?

The treatment plan depends on the cancer stage and the tumour's size and location. The frequently administered treatments for NPC are:

Radiation therapy

• It is a common treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and the goal is to target and destroy cancer cells in the nasopharynx area while sparing nearby healthy tissue.
• You will undergo a series of radiation therapy sessions, and these are done on an outpatient basis. Doctors can use the following radiation techniques:
  • External beam radiation therapy- This technique involves using a machine to deliver high-energy radiation beams to the tumor from outside the body. During treatment, the patient lies on a table while the machine rotates around them to deliver the radiation beams from multiple angles. Each session typically lasts 15-30 minutes, and patients may receive treatment five days a week for several weeks.
  • Brachytherapy: Doctors place radioactive sources directly into the tumor or nearby tissue under this procedure. This can be done using a catheter or applicator inserted into the nasopharynx area. The radioactive sources are left in place for a specified time to deliver the necessary radiation dose.

Chemotherapy

• It can be used to treat NPC with other treatments like radiation therapy or surgery. The doctors prefer a combination of two or more drugs given intravenously.
• These drugs are usually administered in cycles, with each cycle lasting several weeks. Most p[referred drugs used for NPC may include cisplatin, fluorouracil, paclitaxel, docetaxel, or gemcitabine, among others.

Targeted therapy

• In NPC, targeted therapy is typically directed at a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), often overexpressed in NPC cells. Several targeted therapies have been approved, including:
  • Cetuximab: This monoclonal antibody targets EGFR and is administered intravenously. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
  • Gefitinib: A small molecule inhibitor that targets EGFR and is taken orally. It is usually used for advanced NPC that has not responded to other treatments.

Immunotherapy

• A cancer treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating various types of cancer, including NPC. Doctors use several types that can be used to treat NPC, including:
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs block certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells that can prevent the immune system from attacking them. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are examples of immune checkpoint inhibitors that have been approved for the treatment of NPC.
  • T-cell transfer therapy: This approach involves removing T cells from the patient's blood, genetically modifying them to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then infusing them back into the patient's body.

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Surgeries for Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Spain

Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for NPC, but it is usually reserved for early-stage cancer localized to the nasopharynx.

Endoscopic surgery

• It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to treat NPC and involves using an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it. The surgeon uses the endoscope to visualize the tumor and surrounding tissues. The tumor is then removed using specialized instruments.
• Endoscopic surgery for NPC offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions and faster recovery times. It takes two to three hours

Maxillectomy

• A surgical procedure that involves the removal of the maxilla or upper jaw bone which can be performed as part of the treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The surgery takes 60-90 minutes
• It involves making incisions in the mouth or on the face to gain access to the tumor and the maxilla. The tumor is then carefully removed along with any affected bone and tissue.
• In some cases, maxilla reconstruction may be necessary and involves using bone grafts or synthetic materials to rebuild the upper jaw and restore the normal facial structure.

Radial neck dissection

• This surgical procedure is used to treat NPC when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck and involves removing the lymph nodes and any surrounding tissue.
• A horizontal incision is made across the front of the neck, just below the jawline. The blood vessels that supply the lymph nodes are ligated and divided to prevent bleeding. The surgery is completed in three to four hours

Outlook for Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

• The prognosis for NPC is better than other types of head and neck cancers, especially if detected early. In the early stages, NPC is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of being cured. However, if cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, the prognosis may not be as good.
• The 5-year survival rate for all people with NPC in the United States is 61% (cancer.net).

Recovery after Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

• After completing treatment, it is common to experience side effects, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth. These symptoms can be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications.
• Following up with your surgical team regularly is important to monitor their recovery and address any concerns. You may also be referred to rehabilitation specialists to help you regain strength.
• In addition to medical treatment, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco.
• Overall, recovery from NPC is possible in six to eight weeks, and you can return to a normal routine.